The Best Hiking Shoes of 2014

When the weather changes the trails start calling. How loudly they’re calling will dictate the type of shoe you need. If you’re traveling light and fast in the mountains or just need something to walk the local trail system, you can skip a full-fledged hiking boot in favor of a hiking shoe. These are typically lighter in weight, lower-cut, more breathable and flexible, and less expensive than hiking boots, while still offering the protection and structure to tackle a variety of trails. These five make the top of our list for this year’s nice-weather awakening of outdoor fervor.

Having the right gear on hand during an outdoor concert can be the difference between a weekend for the ages or an expensive lesson learned. These items cover the critical bases of comfort, connectivity, hygiene, peace of mind and style. Better yet, most are also made right here in America.

The Briefing

Planning a date isn't like ordering on Seamless. You've got to put some thought into it -- and you can't just get Thai every time. Here are ideas to get you started. Don't forget to send us a wedding invite.